HGSC Board Volunteer Profile
Paula Navarro Alvarez (ALM '24, she/her)
What’s your background, in a couple quick sentences?
I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, and lived there for 18 years before moving to Ottawa, Canada, in 2012 where I studied a Bachelors of Commerce. I’ve lived in Ottawa since, due to various professional opportunities and have considered Canada home for the past 12 years, but I’m open to seeing what life has in store for me.
What brought you to Harvard and what did you study?
Not in a million years did I imagine I could get into Harvard, but it was my mother who encouraged me to apply — and to my surprise, I did. I pursued a Masters of Liberal Arts in Finance along with a Certificate of Sustainability from Harvard Extension School, all while working and studying in Ottawa. The highlight of my Harvard experience was being able to attend classes on campus in the summer of ’23!
Where are you now in your career?
I have worked in the finance departments of several private firms for many years. I am now grateful to have found meaningful work within the environmental NGO sector. Although I’m still in the early stages of my career — especially having entered the nonprofit sector recently — I feel inspired by the work I’m doing.
Currently, I work for an environmental charity, based in British Columbia, helping protect Canada’s endangered ecosystems, particularly old-growth forests. (pictured at right near Howe Sound (Átl'ḵa7tsem), a designated UNESCO Biosphere Region in Squamish, British Columbia, in the ancestral and unceded territory of the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw).)
Why did you begin volunteering with the HGSC Board?
I got involved with HGSC because I wanted to help people find their community. I was only able to go to Cambridge for a quick summer semester and I didn't have much time to connect with the local queer clubs, hence I felt this would be a great way to do so. Thus, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and honing my communication skills.
What are you excited for in 2025?
I look forward to getting more involved and advocating for the queer community, uplifting it in any way I can in these dark times. August is pride month in Ottawa, and to increase visibility I’ll be volunteering to coordinate a booth in the parade. I’m also excited to (hopefully) go visit my girlfriend in Australia at some point this year (I know, classic sapphic long-distance love story).
What’s one food you miss most from your Harvard days?
There are so many things I miss! I miss having delicious arepas at Orinoco in Harvard Square. I also miss the new firepit area at the Harvard Business School, where my classmates and I would spend our evenings, studying or simply chilling.
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